Introduction:
Marquette is a hybrid red grape variety that was released by the University of Minnesota in 2006. It is a cross between the grape varieties MN 1094 and Ravat 262 and is known for its robust flavour, high disease resistance, and suitability for cold climates. In August 2019, VQA Ontario announced that the province of Ontario's VQA regulations have added Marquette to the list of permitted grape varieties for Ontario wines branded as VQA. The grape is grown in the Thompson Valley, BC region but is not yet on the official BC VQA list. Marquette is a popular variety with Quebec growers.
Climate and Terroir:
Marquette is well-suited to the cool climate of Prince Edward County. The grape variety is hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -37°C when fully dormant. The grape ripens in late September and early October, allowing it to retain acidity and freshness. The soil in our vineyard is mostly clay-loam, with good drainage, which helps the grape to grow healthy and strong.
Viticultural Considerations:
Marquette is a vigorous vine, requiring a strong trellis system such as VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) or single wire cordon, and proper pruning to manage yields. The grape is resistant to common cold-climate diseases such as powdery mildew, black rot, and downy mildew. The grape variety is known for producing medium to high yields.
Wine Profile:
Marquette grapes produce wine with a deep red colour and a complex flavour profile. The grape is known for its dark fruit flavours such as black cherry and black currant, with notes of spice and licorice. The wine has moderate tannins and good acidity, making it a well-balanced and versatile wine.
We use the grape in our Alta Red and our Ophelia Piquette, adding depth complexity and colour to these wines.
Conclusion:
Marquette is a grape variety that offers winemakers a unique flavour profile, high disease resistance, and suitability for cold climates. It's well-suited to the cool climate of Prince Edward County and can produce wines that are complex, balanced, and age-worthy. We are excited to offer wines made from this grape variety to our customers.
Marquette is a hybrid red grape variety that was released by the University of Minnesota in 2006. It is a cross between the grape varieties MN 1094 and Ravat 262 and is known for its robust flavour, high disease resistance, and suitability for cold climates. In August 2019, VQA Ontario announced that the province of Ontario's VQA regulations have added Marquette to the list of permitted grape varieties for Ontario wines branded as VQA. The grape is grown in the Thompson Valley, BC region but is not yet on the official BC VQA list. Marquette is a popular variety with Quebec growers.
Climate and Terroir:
Marquette is well-suited to the cool climate of Prince Edward County. The grape variety is hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -37°C when fully dormant. The grape ripens in late September and early October, allowing it to retain acidity and freshness. The soil in our vineyard is mostly clay-loam, with good drainage, which helps the grape to grow healthy and strong.
Viticultural Considerations:
Marquette is a vigorous vine, requiring a strong trellis system such as VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) or single wire cordon, and proper pruning to manage yields. The grape is resistant to common cold-climate diseases such as powdery mildew, black rot, and downy mildew. The grape variety is known for producing medium to high yields.
Wine Profile:
Marquette grapes produce wine with a deep red colour and a complex flavour profile. The grape is known for its dark fruit flavours such as black cherry and black currant, with notes of spice and licorice. The wine has moderate tannins and good acidity, making it a well-balanced and versatile wine.
We use the grape in our Alta Red and our Ophelia Piquette, adding depth complexity and colour to these wines.
Conclusion:
Marquette is a grape variety that offers winemakers a unique flavour profile, high disease resistance, and suitability for cold climates. It's well-suited to the cool climate of Prince Edward County and can produce wines that are complex, balanced, and age-worthy. We are excited to offer wines made from this grape variety to our customers.
